Samples of Locally-Developed
Program Assessment Tools

Program assessment provides a unique opportunity to
assess learning over time, integrated learning. For this reason many
programs use embedded course assessment, portfolios, performance
assessments, capstone or senior projects, and capstone
courses to assess program outcomes. Well-articulated SLOs will suggest a
form of assessment that closely approximates real-life experiences.
While development of homegrown tools can be time intensive, the dialogue
and customized feedback are invaluable to improving programs. In
programs it is important to check the assessment tool out using sample
student artifacts, use trial populations to check the tool and the
feasibility of its administration. Review the assessment tool on an
annual basis. (Use the assessment tool checklist as a guide.) The sample
program assessment methods below have been used at a number of
institutions successfully Samples are linked in the resource section.

Embedded Course Questions or Problems

Several institutions have reported successful use of
embedded questions to assess program outcomes across a number of
sections. This entails cooperation to develop
valid and
reliable questions or
problems relevant to the program SLOs that are then embedded within context of routine course assessment
throughout the program. There are several advantages to
this technique: assessments are relevant to the specific course,
program,
and institutional goals, data collection does not require extra time for
students or faculty, student buy-in is greater because the assessment is
part of the course work, and immediate formative feedback provides
diagnostic improvement.

Portfolios

Portfolios were developed based upon the art portfolio model that displays the
student's abilities through a collection of artifacts.
Many institutions use portfolio projects to provide a unique opportunity to assess development and change over time. Portfolios
benefits
student metacognitive growth and result in a resume-like product which
students can use beyond their schooling. Difficulties include managing the
variability between portfolios, storing the physical products, and
assessing the work. Some institutions use electronic
student portfolios that are commercially available (see links to the
right). Assessing the
portfolio work is a challenge, requiring detailed rubrics, norming, and
time outside of the normal faculty workload. Instructions to the
students must be explicit, based upon the purpose and uses of the
portfolio.

Performance Assessment

Assessment of student performance provides a unique
opportunity to assess skills and abilities in a real-time situation. While performance assessment appears a natural tool for
fine arts, it has also been used in the humanities in the form of
debates or re-enactments. "High-quality performance as a goal, whether
at the course or program level can make the curriculum more transparent,
coherent, and meaningful for faculty and students alike. Clarity and
meaningfulness, in turn, can be powerful motivators for both faculty and
students, particularly if the performance is a public one. And public
performances provide models for other students" (Wright, 1999).
Performance assessments, like portfolios, require well-designed
instruments, criteria, rubrics, and norming between reviewers.

Capstone Projects

Many institutions have developed senior projects to
assess the integrated skills, knowledge, and abilities of students in
programs over a program of study. A variety of sample senior projects
(capstones) are linked in the
resources section. These may be individual or team projects.
The advantage of this kind of assessment is that it can be developed to
exemplify authentic working conditions. Some programs use outside
evaluators to help assess the student work.

Capstone Courses

Some institutions have developed capstone courses for
programs which integrate an entire sequence of study. Capstone courses,
where the course itself is an assessment instrument, provide unique and challenging opportunities
for students to integrate and demonstrate
their knowledge, skills, and abilities. Capstone courses provide ample and
focused formative time to synthesize and cement specific skills and
competencies. Capstone courses are a significant learning experience as well as a powerful assessment tool.

Student Self-Assessment

Student self-assessment can provide powerful information
that can not be accomplished by any other means of assessment. Student
self-assessment can provide insight into affective development and
metacognitive growth that other assessment can not. The goal of the
self-assessment and the rubric to evaluate the self assessment should be
explicit. It is wise to ask the students to provide evidence of any
conclusions they make; this may include artifacts to support these
conclusions.